Free At-Home COVID Tests Available 

COVID-19 Updates from the Alameda County Public Health Department 

Earn It! Keep It! Save It! Free Tax Preparation Services Available 

Mortgage Relief for California Homeowners 

Covered California Open Enrollment Ends January 31, 2022 

Upcoming Community Events 

COVID-19 Vaccination Resources in Alameda County 

Our Office remembers the late Supervisor Wilma Chan as a champion of community, a fierce leader, and a trusted colleague. She devoted her career to helping the underserved and uninsured, with a passion for children, families and seniors, early childhood education, health equity, job creation, and economic empowerment. We are honored to have been her staff – the Chan Clan – and for the opportunity to continue her life’s work. 

Here are a few ways to remember and pay tribute to Wilma: 

• Donate to the Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan Legacy Fund. 
• Share a tribute in the online Supervisor Wilma Chan Legacy Book.  
• View the recording of the Community Celebration of Supervisor Wilma Chan and her Legacy on YouTube. 

Free At-Home COVID
Tests Available 

Free at-home COVID tests are available through the U.S. Postal Service. Every home (not person) in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests by filling out a short form at https://www.covidtests.gov. 

Orders usually ship in 7-12 days. Residents are encouraged to order tests now, so you have them when you need them. 

If you need a COVID-⁠19 test now, please visit our county testing webpage for free testing locations in your area. 

COVID-19 Updates from the Alameda County Public Health Department 

Over 1.3 million – or 80% - of Alameda County residents are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Additionally, based on available data, the Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD) is seeing a decline in reported COVID-19 cases.  

While these milestones are good news, COVID-19 is still spreading in our community, and case rates remain high and hospitalizations are approaching last winter’s peak. ACPHD encourages residents to continue taking all COVID safety precautions, including masking, avoiding large gatherings, and staying home if sick. 

Vaccination rates vary in communities across Alameda County. Our county health officials are redoubling efforts to address disparities and help stop the spread of COVID-19 in our most impacted communities. In addition to the COVID safety precautions, getting fully vaccinated and boosted (when eligible) is crucial to stopping the spread of COVID-19.  

Earn It! Keep It! Save It! Free Tax Preparation Services Available 

It’s tax season again! Low- and moderate-income tax filers can now schedule appointments for no-cost tax preparation services through the Social Services Agency’s 2021-2022 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. 

Tax services are provided by appointment only - no exceptions.

Appointments can be made online at public.alamedasocialservices.org/EITCScheduler.  A cell phone number or email address is required to make an appointment. 

Tax filers must present all required tax documents at the time of appointment. Appointments will need to be rescheduled if there are missing documents.  

Strict COVID safety protocols will be enforced. All customers and tax program volunteers will be required to wear masks and adhere to social distancing requirements. 

Mortgage Relief for California Homeowners 

The California Mortgage Relief Program is open to eligible Californians who are currently experiencing pandemic-related hardships and have fallen behind on their housing payments.  

Apply online  or Contact a HUD-certified housing counselor at 1-800-569-4287. 

The program is part of the state’s Housing is Key initiative and helps homeowners get caught up on their housing payments. The program is absolutely free and the funds do not need to be repaid. For more information, visit the California Mortgage Relief Program’s eligibility information page.  

Covered California Open Enrollment Ends January 31, 2022 

Covered California’s open enrollment period for 2022 coverage starting February 1st ends on Monday, January 31, 2022. Click here to apply for or renew coverage.  

Medi-Cal enrollment is available year-round and uses the same application as Covered California. After you enter your information, you will find out whether you qualify for Medi-Cal or Covered California. 

Upcoming Community Events 

• Wednesday, February 2nd from 5:30-7:00pm: Alameda County Health Care Services Agency Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Redesign Community Forum. Register online. Virtual event. 
• Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at 2:00 pm: ALL IN Alameda County Funders Briefing on  Community Collaboratives. Register on Zoom.
• Thursday, February 17th from 12:00-1:00pm: Alameda Health System (AHS) and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland’s (CHO) Virtual Job Fair. RSVP on Eventbrite. Virtual event. 
• Friday, February 25th from 11:00am-2:00pm: AHS and CHO’s In-Person Job Fair. Meet and greet, with the opportunity for informational interviews with hiring managers and department representatives. RSVP on Eventbrite. In-person event at Laney College (900 Fallon St., Oakland, CA). Masks and proof of vaccination required for entry.